Ways to Relax by Your Pool
Transform Your Pool Area Into the Ultimate Relaxation Haven
Your backyard pool offers more than just a place to cool off on hot summer days. With thoughtful planning and the right elements, your pool area can become a personal sanctuary where stress melts away and tranquility takes center stage. Creating the perfect environment for poolside relaxation involves engaging all your senses while crafting a space that invites you to slow down and unwind.
The art of relaxing by the pool goes beyond simply lounging on a basic chair. True poolside relaxation requires intentional design choices, mindful activities, and an understanding of what transforms an ordinary pool deck into an extraordinary retreat. When you learn to relax by the pool effectively, you’re not just taking a break—you’re investing in your mental health and overall well-being.
For a pool that fulfills your relaxation needs, look no further than Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas. We serve areas across Northeastern Pennsylvania, including Allentown, Bartonsville, Beach Lake, Bloomsburg, Dickson City, Doylestown, Lake Wallenpaupack, and Wilkes-Barre.
Turn Your Poolside into the Best Place for Relaxation
1. Comfortable Seating
The foundation of any relaxing poolside experience starts with seating that makes you want to stay for hours. Weather-resistant loungers with adjustable backs allow you to find the perfect position for reading, napping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Look for materials like aluminum frames with quick-dry fabric or all-weather wicker that can withstand pool chemicals and changing weather conditions.
Plush, waterproof cushions transform basic furniture into cloud-like comfort zones. Consider investing in cushions with removable, washable covers in calming colors like soft blues, sage greens, or neutral tones that complement your pool’s surroundings. Strategic placement of these seating areas creates multiple relaxation zones around your pool.
2. Create Essential Shade
Direct sunlight can quickly turn a relaxing afternoon into an uncomfortable experience. Umbrellas offer portable shade that you can adjust throughout the day, following the sun’s path. For a more permanent solution, pergolas create architectural interest while providing consistent overhead protection.
Retractable awnings give you the flexibility to choose between sun and shade as your mood changes. Sail shades offer a modern aesthetic while providing excellent coverage, and their triangular or square shapes can create visually interesting patterns of light and shadow on your pool deck.
3. Visual Appeal
Plants serve double duty in poolside relaxation by improving air quality and creating natural beauty. Choose low-maintenance options like ornamental grasses, succulents, or flowering shrubs that thrive in your climate. Container gardens allow you to move plants as needed and experiment with different arrangements.
Art pieces designed for outdoor use add personality to your space. Weather-resistant sculptures, colorful ceramic pieces, or even strategically placed mirrors can create focal points that draw the eye and spark contemplation. Wind spinners and kinetic sculptures add gentle movement that enhances the peaceful atmosphere.
4. Incorporate Soothing Sounds
Water features like fountains or small waterfalls create natural white noise that masks neighborhood sounds and promotes relaxation. The gentle trickle of water has been scientifically proven to lower stress hormones and blood pressure.
If installing a water feature isn’t practical, consider a high-quality Bluetooth speaker positioned to provide ambient sound without overwhelming conversation. Nature sounds, soft instrumental music, or guided meditation tracks can all enhance your poolside experience.
5. Aromatherapy
Essential oils can transform the air around your pool into a therapeutic environment. Lavender promotes relaxation and better sleep, while eucalyptus provides an energizing yet calming effect. Chamomile oil offers gentle stress relief, and citrus scents like lemon or bergamot can boost mood while maintaining a fresh, clean feeling.
Use outdoor-safe diffusers or add a few drops of essential oil to decorative dishes filled with water placed around your seating areas. Citronella-based aromatherapy products serve the dual purpose of relaxation and natural insect repelling.
6. Curate a Poolside Soundtrack
Music has the power to instantly shift your mood and energy level. Create playlists that match different relaxation goals — upbeat but mellow tunes for active pool days, ambient soundscapes for meditation, or classical music for reading sessions.
Consider the volume and placement of speakers to ensure music enhances rather than dominates your space. Waterproof speakers allow you to enjoy music even while swimming, while hidden landscape speakers can provide ambient sound without visual clutter.
7. Read
Books and magazines offer the perfect poolside activity, allowing your mind to wander while your body relaxes. Choose lighter fare for bright, sunny days — think memoirs, romance novels, or engaging non-fiction that doesn’t require intense concentration.
Create a dedicated reading nook with a side table for drinks and snacks, and consider a waterproof tablet case for digital reading options. Audiobooks through wireless earbuds offer hands-free entertainment that won’t interfere with sun protection routines.
8. Gentle Exercise for Body and Mind
Poolside yoga or stretching takes advantage of the calming water sounds and fresh air. Simple poses like child’s pose, seated forward bends, or gentle twists can release physical tension accumulated during busy days.
Water walking or gentle swimming laps provide low-impact exercise that soothes joints while promoting circulation. The resistance of water makes even light movement beneficial for both physical fitness and mental clarity.
9. Temperature Control
Misting systems can lower ambient temperature by up to 30 degrees, making hot days more bearable. Ceiling fans designed for outdoor use provide air circulation that helps with both cooling and insect control.
For cooler evenings or seasons, consider portable heaters or fire features that extend your pool season. Heat lamps positioned over seating areas create warm pockets that invite lingering even when temperatures drop.
10. Hydration
Proper hydration supports relaxation by preventing headaches and maintaining energy levels. Infused waters with cucumber, mint, or citrus provide refreshing alternatives to plain water while adding a spa-like touch to your poolside experience.
Herbal iced teas, coconut water, or fresh fruit smoothies offer hydration with added nutrients. Keep beverages in insulated containers to maintain ideal temperatures throughout your relaxation session.
11. Sun Protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protects your skin while allowing you to enjoy extended outdoor time. Reapply every two hours or after swimming to maintain protection.
Wide-brimmed hats provide shade for your face and neck while adding style to your poolside look. UV-protective clothing offers another layer of defense, and many modern options are designed to be lightweight and quick-drying.
12. Limited Screen Time
Constant connectivity can prevent true relaxation even in peaceful settings. Designate your pool time as phone-free hours, or put devices in airplane mode to eliminate distractions while still having access to music or reading apps.
Instead of scrolling through social media, try cloud watching or stargazing. These simple activities engage your mind in peaceful observation while allowing stress to naturally dissipate.
Create Your Personal Poolside Paradise
Ready to transform your backyard into the ultimate relaxation destination? Visit Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas in Wilkes-Barre, Dickson City, and Tannersville/Bartonsville to explore our selection of in-ground fiberglass pools for sale. We can help you find the perfect swimming pool for you and your family! Our professionals with over 60 years of experience provide in-ground swimming pool services to all of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Allentown, PA, Doylestown, PA, and the surrounding areas.
We can show you all the different pool models, additional accessories, and cleaning materials you need. We aim to make the process as easy, simple, and fun as possible. It should be nothing but exciting to get a pool that you will enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about available pool services.
Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools